About this book

Language: German

In 1839, Waterhouse found the first golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) north of the old city of Haleb in Syria. Kept in spirit, this animal was the only evidence for the existence of the species for almost 100 years. In 1930, Aharoni succeeded in digging out a nest with living golden hamsters and was able to take three of the animals home alive. They raised a few hundred offspring in one year, and these were sent to Europe and America.

The three animals are the ancestral parents of all the golden hamsters living in the world, and it is estimated that 100,000 animals are currently being bred in the world's laboratories. How many are held as pets is hard to estimate. On the plateau near Haleb, some wild hamsters have recently caught again, but there are no indications of their whereabouts.

The little rodent is very similar in its way of life to Europe's local hamster. First and foremost, as a medical laboratory animal, it has become very important. Its great fertility – it is the fastest multiplying mammal – in addition to its ease of nutrition and adaptability, has made it particularly suitable for laboratory breeding.

The book gives an overview of the biology of the animal and its use as a test animal, but also goes into the husbandry and care, in order to give the many amateur breeders and pet owners a introductory guide.